‘The only person who can force Aryan Khan to do anything is…’: Karan Johar opens up about The Ba***ds of Bollywood director’s self-assured nature

"He knows his mind, he knows his heart. He will do what he wants to do," said the Bollywood filmmaker.

New Delhi | September 27, 2025 09:30 AM IST

4 min read

Karan Johar talks about Aryan Khan's nature (Source: Instagram/@dyavol)

Aryan Khan has made his directorial debut with The Ba***ds of Bollywood, and the elusive son of Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan has got the internet talking. Generally reserved and having been embroiled in controversy before, we haven’t seen much of Aryan in the public eye yet. But a recent interview of filmmaker Karan Johar with Game Changers of India gave us some insight into the young talent’s personality.

Johar described him as someone who only listens to himself, adding, “The only person who can force Aryan Khan to do anything is Aryan Khan. He is a very, very, very self-assured person. He knows his mind, he knows his heart. He will do what he wants to do.”

Reflecting on the above statement, Rutuja Walawalkar, Psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, told indianexpress.com that while it can come across as just an offhand remark, it points to an important psychological trait that many strive to develop but few truly embody: self-assurance.

“Self-assurance is not about being the loudest in the room or appearing unshakably confident at all times. At its core, it is the inner belief that you can handle challenges, make sound decisions, and stay aligned with your values. Unlike arrogance, which seeks to diminish others, self-assurance is quiet, steady, and rooted in self-awareness,” she explained.

From a psychological perspective, Walawalkar shared that self-assured individuals show higher resilience, better emotional regulation, and stronger problem-solving abilities. They do not rely on external approval to validate their worth; instead, they carry an internal compass that guides their actions.

Why is it considered to be a positive trait?

Walawalkar shared that self-assurance becomes the foundation for mental and emotional well-being. People who are self-assured:

Trust their instincts and feel less paralyzed by doubt.
Handle criticism constructively, distinguishing useful feedback from unnecessary negativity.
Staying grounded under pressure is vital in both personal and professional settings.
Model authenticity, inspiring others simply by being true to themselves.

Shah Rukh Khan with son Aryan Khan (Source: Instagram/@dyavol)

“For someone like Aryan Khan, who grew up under immense public scrutiny, self-assurance allows him to create boundaries and protect his individuality. For anyone, celebrity or not, this quality helps navigate life’s complexities with confidence and balance,” she elaborated.

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How can we cultivate self-assurance?

The good news is that self-assurance is not an inherited trait; it can be cultivated. The psychologist recommends the following steps:

Develop self-awareness: Regularly reflect on your strengths, values, and areas for growth. Journaling or mindfulness practices can help.
Set small, achievable goals: Meeting these goals gradually builds confidence in your abilities.
Reframe setbacks: Rather than labeling experiences as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and adapt.
Surround yourself wisely: Choose relationships that encourage growth and discourage unnecessary self-doubt.

When can it get misinterpreted as arrogance?

It’s worth noting that self-assurance can sometimes be mistaken for arrogance. According to Walawalkar, the difference lies in empathy and openness. “A self-assured person respects others’ perspectives, even if they ultimately choose their own path. Arrogance, however, dismisses and invalidates those perspectives,” she said, adding that the line is subtle but critical – self-assurance uplifts both the individual and those around them, while arrogance creates distance and resentment.

ALSO READ | Karan Johar opens up about being told he has a woman’s voice, taking speech classes for sounding ‘more masculine’: ‘Sharam aa rahi thi mujhe’

Karan Johar’s observation about Aryan Khan shines a light on a quality that is as empowering as it is misunderstood. In a world that often pressures people to conform, self-assurance allows us to remain authentic and steady. Whether you’re a public figure like Aryan or someone simply navigating everyday challenges, cultivating this trait can help you build resilience, protect your sense of self, and lead with quiet strength.

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